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Rio de Janeiro - Brazilian national team technical director Carlos Alberto Parreira has defended the country’s citizens, insisting there is no crisis in the South American country.
This comes after Brazilian health and safety officials raided the England and Italy team hotels ahead of next month's Soccer World Cup.
The host country’s preparations for their World Cup campaign also got off to an unsettling start when hundreds of protesters surrounded the Brazilian team bus on the way to their first training session, hammering the sides of the bus as it pulled away.
The team were then greeted by more protesters on arrival at the Selecao's training ground.
However, the former Bafana Bafana coach said protesters have nothing against the players, insisting fans still see them as heroes.
“The national team is part of our cultural heritage,” Parreira said on Sky Sports News television.
“The players will be counting on the citizens’ support throughout the World Cup.
“Nobody is against the team in Brazil.
“This was unmistakably proven today throughout the 100km journey we have travelled.
“Everywhere we stopped, the players received loud cheers from the fans who are the citizens of Brazil.
“They gave us a warm reception.”
There has been growing concern regarding the country’s readiness to host the most spectacular event in global football which also includes the lack of completion of three stadiums as well as some hotels being reported to be making food without the authority of the country’s department of health.
Brazil will host this year’s World Cup as they hope to win their sixth title, to extend the all-time record.
They will open their campaign against Croatia on June 12 at the Arena de Sao Paulo Stadium.
This comes after Brazilian health and safety officials raided the England and Italy team hotels ahead of next month's Soccer World Cup.
The host country’s preparations for their World Cup campaign also got off to an unsettling start when hundreds of protesters surrounded the Brazilian team bus on the way to their first training session, hammering the sides of the bus as it pulled away.
The team were then greeted by more protesters on arrival at the Selecao's training ground.
However, the former Bafana Bafana coach said protesters have nothing against the players, insisting fans still see them as heroes.
“The national team is part of our cultural heritage,” Parreira said on Sky Sports News television.
“The players will be counting on the citizens’ support throughout the World Cup.
“Nobody is against the team in Brazil.
“This was unmistakably proven today throughout the 100km journey we have travelled.
“Everywhere we stopped, the players received loud cheers from the fans who are the citizens of Brazil.
“They gave us a warm reception.”
There has been growing concern regarding the country’s readiness to host the most spectacular event in global football which also includes the lack of completion of three stadiums as well as some hotels being reported to be making food without the authority of the country’s department of health.
Brazil will host this year’s World Cup as they hope to win their sixth title, to extend the all-time record.
They will open their campaign against Croatia on June 12 at the Arena de Sao Paulo Stadium.
